I was a student at the University of Iowa in 1991, and vividly remember the shooting incident. I was sad to learn about Miya’s death this morning. Her positive spirit in the face of such adversity is truly admirable. I also live in the Bay Area now, and didn’t realize she had relocated here. I hope that she is at peace, and that her spirit lives on to inspire others.

Thursday, December 4, 2008 - 05:23 PM

Yvon, France

Miya will be missed very deeply, by her loved ones and by those like me who met her and had the honor and great privilege of getting to know about her. I am very proud to have contributed, albeit modestly, to the documentary - it is a great tribute to her life, spirit, and work. She deserves all our respect and admiration for her commitment to making the world a better place. I would like to send my deepest sympathies and love to her mother, Sonya, and to her brothers and caregivers.

Friday, December 5, 2008 - 05:41 a.m.

Andrea

Miya was an absolutely wonderful person. Before I met her I had the privilege of watching many hours of interviews with her and about her for the film. After hearing all of her many accomplishments , I was a little intimated about finally talking to her. But really I had nothing to worry about, because Miya was kind and funny and as wonderful as everybody in those interviews had been telling me.

Her life may have been cut short but I think Miya still accomplished more than most. Miya did so much for others. Even though she is no longer with us the effects of her hard work and dedicated activism will continue to help people.

Friday, December 5, 2008 - 08:13 AM

Jackie

I didn’t know Miya. I did, however, knew Sonya and considered her a friend.We were both members of the Ames Unitarian fellowship. I found Sonya to be a tough, interesting and very smart woman and I think much of what Miya became was due to the influence of her mother.What the bio leaves out is as a widow with four young children, Sonya enrolled in graduate school at Iowa State where her husband had taught. She earned a PhD in biochemistry at a time when women didn’t go into fields like that. I was told by people in Iowa City who knew Miya that it was the support of her family after the shooting that made the difference. I don’t know if Sonya will be reading these comments or not. I can only offer condolences. Miya was, by all accounts, a wonderful person. Sonya, you did a good job.

Sunday, December 7, 2008 - 05:26 AM

Vince

I am a physics professor at the University of Iowa and was here in 1991 when the shootings occurred. Several long days after the shooting the city waited to hear the news of whether Miya would live. When she woke from the coma her words “ I am glad to be alive” sent a wave of joy and hope throughout the community and for the first time in days I saw people smiling again. This is an example of what Miya did and still does for the human spirit. I am glad to have gotten to know her.

Sunday, December 7, 2008 - 08:26 AM

Margit

Miya was a neighbor and friend of my sister when we lived in Ames, Iowa. So I have only memories of Miya as a child - friendly, beautiful and intelligent. Just saw the powerful and moving trailer to the movie, which allowed me to see Miya as an adult. She has accomplished so much in her too short life and with such grace and perseverance. Thank you for making this movie and my heartfelt sympathy to Miya’s family.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 11:44 PM

Layne

I worked at SWIFT student exchange from 2002-2004, and she continually had me in awe. Her humility, her tranquility, and her gorgeous spirit were a bright light for me - and for everyone she touched in her work. Miya was an agent of transformation, in her own understated and modest way. Her life is a powerful reminder of all that we’re capable of.

Friday, December 12, 2008 - 7:18 PM

Suzanne

Miya and I shared an apartment at the University of Iowa in the 1980’s. We were political activists together and very good friends. We tried as hard as we could to make the world a better place than we found it.

Miya was always the quiet one, the nicer one of the two of us. When she was shot, I feared she would just implode upon herself. And yet she demonstrated an inner steel that still makes me marvel. After she finished rehab, she just picked up her life where she left off. She was my maid of honour at my first wedding, 4 years after the shooting. Yes, her condition placed many limitations in her way, but she refused to wallow in self-pity. She wanted her life back, and she took her life back.

I have always felt that if I had been the victim, I probably would have drown in bitterness and regret at what I had lost. But Miya refused to fall into that pit. She just got on with the job of living. She continued to work for human rights, for peace and justice, and eventually for disabled rights. She refused to be a victim. I don’t know if I could have done that, and I have no words for how much I admire her.

It seems that the Universe was not finished being cruel to Miya, for despite her refusal to play the victim, she was struck down with this terrible cancer. I still find hard to comprehend how, after overcoming such obstacles, she should have to endure this.

When Miya was lying in her hospital bed, no longer able to speak from weakness and yet still alert, I told her she could go in peace because she really had left the world a better place than she found it. How many of us can truly say that? Despite what happened to her, she was a beacon of light. Miya was far too humble to understand that herself, but I hope wherever she is now that she knows just how wonderful she was, how much we miss her, and how much we have to learn from her.

Saturday, December 13, 2008 - 03:45 PM

Marie

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Miya’s death, in the “Berkeley Daily Planet”, recently. I vividly remember her (and her mother, Sonya, as well) as I was their neighbor in North Berkeley in 2000. She was such a nice person, with a gentle disposition and wry humor. I still remember our chats on the sidewalk, in front of their house. I didn’t realize that she had accomplished so much in her life. She was truly admirable. I am glad that this documentary has been made. It is a great tribute to her and her life. I will miss her even if it has been manny years since I saw her. I am sending my deepest sympathy to her mother and brother.

Friday, December 26, 2008 - 03:34 PM

Anonymous

I was studying theatre at the University of Iowa at that time when the incident happened. I wrote a play about the event from Lu Gang’s perspective, which Miya has a short but strong role in it…I went to see Miya in her house in Iowa City, where she was surrounded by her friends. I talked with her for half an hour…and she said with a profound humane voice: “I’m not angry at him anymore”… She asked me if I can leave my play for her to read…I left it with her, fearing if the play would revive the painful memory and make her uneasy, disquiet… I walked home… profoundly moved…profoundly touched by her transcendental soul, by her deep understanding of human situation…wanted so urgently to write about her…wanted crucially to remind myself of someone who is not the same as the others…and whose life is an eternal poem of our time…

My deepest sympathies and love to her mother, brothers and caregivers.

Ezzat Goushegir

Monday, December 29, 2008 - 04:46 PM

Anonymous

My condolences to the family…I’m one of the lucky souls who have worked and partied with Miya at SWIFT. She is a remarkable human being and an inspiration to us all. Miya will live in our hearts forever…

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 - 07:15 PM

Maggie

I grew up in Ames and went to college at the University of Iowa. I remember meeting Miya on the same bus that my brother and I rode to high school. I remember that whenever she spoke to me I was always awe-struck. Her voice, manners, humor were so wise,intelligent, kind and inquisitive in a very strong yet humble , truth-seeking way.

She was older than I, and even though it was just by a year, she was so mature. Those interactions in high school really made a positive imprint on me during that impressionable time period. In Iowa City I continued to be amazed and influenced when I would run into her and hear about her activities and activism.

Over the years and since the shooting, when I have heard of Miya and how she lived her life I have been astonished and regard her as a true hero and role model of strength, endurance and integrity. I am thankful to Miya for touching my life and being such an inspiration.

My deepest sympathies and the very best of wishes to her family and loved ones.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 06:57 PM

Jeremy

I was a Senior in a small town high school when the Gang Lu shootings took place. I had already made the decision to go to the University of Iowa, and the shootings did not deter me one bit. At that time I remember hearing about Miya and her subsequent rehabilitation, but wouldn’t meet her for 2 or 3 years.

I had the opportunity to drive Miya (and her brother) on the Cambus Bionic Bus several times while at Iowa. She was always in good spirits no matter what the temperature. She was a beautiful person that was so full of life.

I wish everyone had the strength to overcome the difficulties she faced day to day. My sympathy goes out to her family.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 06:40 AM

Sherry

I was a student at the University of Iowa during the same time that Miya was there. I was beginning my journey of learning about justice issues - in particular, Central America - and so I was lucky enough to cross paths with Miya on a number of occasions, including some classes and some protests. :) I always admired Miya and wished I could be more like her - self-assured, intelligent, passionately committed, full of beauty and grace. She inspired me to get more involved, which I did, and I am so grateful for the legacy she leaves with so many people like me. I am married to a Filipino man, and as I read her bio, I realize that is a new connection we would have had. I just recently learned of her death, and I send my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and caregivers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 - 03:14 AM

Chris Mullin

From my work at the Berkeley Center For Independent Living and from mutual friends in the disability community, I got to know Miya a bit over the last few years. She is greatly missed. Whether she was staunchly advocating for access while on the Berkeley Disability Commission or hanging out at a party talking with friends, she was a memorable person to spend time with. Thoughts to Sonya and the rest of Miya’s wonderful family. I’m looking forward to seeing this film…

Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 02:17 PM

Andy

I met Miya through the Central America Solidarity Committee at the U Iowa in the mid 90’s. Though I was new to the area, she was so welcoming and inclusive, always asking my opinion at meetings, that I soon felt welcome in this and other activist circles. I was impressed by her dynamism, her level of commitment, and also with her kindness and sense of humor. A great spirit.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 11:05 AM

Cindy - Oakland Airport

I met Sonya as she prepared to fly to Iowa yesterday. What a wonderful woman. She spoke about Miya so eloquently. After viewing the trailer, and the salute on ABC TV Channel 7, I can see that Miya truly had her mothers’ traits. What an inspiration… If only a fraction of the population had her courage, strength, determination and will… what a wonderful place this would be. Miya, you certainly lived your “dash”. Godspeed.

To Sonya, my heartfelt condolences. May you find peace knowing your daughter touched the lives of so many who knew her and still finds a way of touching those who did not.

Thanks for taking the time to share the story of Miya Rodolfo-Sioson.

Cindy

Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 08:08 PM

Deepa Majumdar

My deepest condolences to Sonya, whom I have known since the early eighties, at Iowa State University. I recall meeting Miya, a beautiful young lady, in Ames, Iowa. I am terribly saddened that I did not have the opportunity to meet this remarkable woman after she left Ames. Everything I read about her inspires me to the fullest and gives me courage before life.

Some people touch others not only through life, but also through death. Miya is one of them. She has touched and transformed me even after passing away.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - 02:14 PM

Monica Krise

Just today I learned of Miya’s passing and was deeply saddened to hear this news. My heartfelt condolences go to Miya’s family and her vast circle of friends. She certainly will be missed, though not forgotten, and I believe her story will inspire and keep her spirit alive in all who have been graced with her acquaintance. I was a social work student at U of I in 1991 and remember Miya well. She was an exceptionally beautiful young woman with a vitality that was contagious, and a courageous and generous heart. Her life story is an inspiration. I am now an oncology social worker in Chandler, AZ and facilitate many support groups including one for breast cancer patients. I believe Miya’s story on ongoing hope, regardless of outcomes, speaks volumes to us all! Miya’s spirit lives on!

Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 09:19 PM

Anonymous

Dear Sonya, Rudy, Renato and Roni:

I’m really frustrated that I am so far away that I cannot join you for the memorial celebration of Miya’s short life. And what a life it has been!

Despite her small size and soft voice, Miya has been a giant in my life, and it is difficult to gather my many impressions of her into a coherent statement. New memories keep gurgling up, vying for a place with the others. I guess the dominant characteristics I associate with her are the following:

GRACE, above all. Even as a little girl, when I met her for the family Christmas gatherings in 1972, she showed the ability to move in all situations with dignity, harmony, and consideration for others. Remarkably, this grace never left her as she confronted the most difficult circumstances of her life.

STRENGTH. She was soft spoken, but I never met a stronger person.

ZEST FOR LIFE. In the hospital in Iowa City after the shooting, I heard someone say that it would have been better if she died. Miya never thought so. The first thing she said two days later, lip-read by her cousin Jan, was that she was grateful to be alive. Although just getting through a routine day could be a hassle, Miya was adventurous! She embarked on ambitious journeys; she engaged in public-service activities; and she found meaningful employment. As a recent example, her uncle Kelvin and I heard that, struggling with chemotherapy, Miya was suffering a frightening decline. We rushed to Berkeley, fearing that it would be our last chance to see her. When we arrived, she was feeling better, and to our surprise, she had planned an outing for family and friends. We took mass transit to Golden Gate Park to participate in the 40th anniversary celebration of the Summer of Love. It was an exhausting day for everyone, and Miya was sick the next day. The last trip she took was to the earth-sheltered home we built in a permaculture area. We were gratified by her compliments on our home’s accessibility and use of solar array and wind generator to supply its energy needs. In each of these cases, it would have been easier, and quite understandable, for her not to make these efforts. But if Miya had been willing to compromise in this way, she would have missed out on life, and life would have missed out on her. And we would all be poorer for it.

Miya, as much as we will miss you, you will always represent for me the TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. With love, Aunty Kathy (Tribute emailed to Miya’s mother on 2 Jan 2009 and read at the memorial gathering the following day. We could not have said it better.)

Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 01:28 AM

Tom Getta

I have never met Miya. I am a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1984. As a graduate of U of I, I paid attention to the goings on of the University. I was horrified by the events in 1991. It shook me that our University could be exposed to such tragedy. Then I read about Miya and her journey. The Iowa Alumni Magazine, February, 2009, noted her death. I tore that article out and it keeps resurfacing. Each time, I am moved by her spirit. I ordered “Miya of the Quiet Strength” to show my children. Her legacy lives on, forever.